15 Oct 2008 07:00
For release 07.00, 15 October 2008
SPIRITEL PLC
("SpiriTel" or "the Group")
118 918 WINS INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORIES AWARD
Virgin Mobile DQ service provided by SpiriTel is named Best Newcomer
SpiriTel plc, (AIM:STP), the business communications service provider, is pleased to announce that Virgin Mobile's 118 918 Directory Enquiry ("DQ") service, provided and managed by SpiriTel has won 'Best Newcomer' at the International Directories Awards.
Using SpiriTel's UK-based managed DQ service, Virgin Mobile launched 118 918 as part of its Social Investment Programme. Users of the service are charged the same amount or less than calls to most other UK 118 numbers, however, Virgin Mobile do not make any profit from calls made to their 118 918 number. Instead, 20 pence from every call is given to charity. The service is promoted to Virgin Mobile's four million customers, but can also be called from any mobile or fixed line provider where the network operator allows access.
The service managed by SpiriTel's Technologies Division was launched by Richard Branson and SpiriTel's Alastair Mills in November 2007. 118 918 is cheaper than the services from 118 118, BT's 118 500 and Yell's 118 247; none of which provide a charitable donation. It is the only not for profit DQ service in the UK. Funds raised go to two charities: The Foyer and The Kids Company.
118 918 was a finalist in three categories at the Las Vegas award ceremony: Best Mobile, Best European Service and Best Newcomer.
Commenting on the award win, Richard Branson said: "I am absolutely delighted that 118 918 has been recognised in this way. I love the service, all my kids love the service, all our friends love the service, and the fact that it helps Foyer and Kids Company continue to do their great work is just brilliant."
Alastair Mills, Chief Executive of SpiriTel said: "I am thrilled that 118 918 has received this international recognition. When I had the idea for the service, I looked long and hard for a partner which had a substantial international brand capable of generating significant call volumes. Virgin Mobile's enthusiasm in adopting the service as their own, in order to raise funds for two fantastic charities has been highly gratifying."
He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all 118 users in the UK to use 118 918, which probably won't cost them any more than their usual service, but each call will generate a donation to a good cause."
For further information please visit www.SpiriTelplc.com or contact:
| SpiriTel plc | Tavistock Communications | Daniel Stewart & Co. |
| Alastair Mills | Simon Hudson | Simon Leathers |
| Chief Executive | Clemmie Carr | Stewart Dick |
| Tel: +44 20 7160 0100 | Tel: +44 20 7920 3150 | Tel: 020 7776 6550 |
Notes to Editors
SpiriTel is a fully integrated business communications group which enables its customers to take advantage of the opportunities created by rapidly changing telecoms markets as the migration to Internet Protocol (IP) based services accelerates. The Group is a consolidator of the highly fragmented UK telecoms reseller market and is building a substantial customer base and scale through selective acquisitions. We are organised into two divisions: SpiriTel Technologies, which focuses on IP networking and wholesale voice services; and SpiriTel Business, which provides a full range of voice and data services directly to our Business customers.
SpiriTel offers fixed and mobile voice and data communications solutions including Voice over IP (VoIP), data networking, telephone systems and ISP services to a rapidly expanding customer base. We are a leader in the provision of new, but proven, VoIP solutions that are firmly based on the old-fashioned service values which run throughout the Group.
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile is the UK's largest mobile virtual network operator and uses T-Mobile's network. Since its launch in November 1999, Virgin Mobile has attracted more than four million customers. Virgin Mobile is part of Virgin Media. The first company to be able to offer `Quadplay' services to customers comprising of landline, TV, mobile and broadband.
The Charities
The two charities which the money from the calls made to 118 918 go to are as follows:
Kids Company is a London-based charity that offers practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children and young people. This Christmas, they are expecting around 800 kids to drop in for lunch on Christmas Day and Virgin Mobile's customers donations will help to ensure they're ready to cater a festive meal to remember. www.kidsco.org.uk
Foyers enable young people at risk to escape the 'no home-no job-no home' cycle by delivering a holistic service that integrates accommodation with training, job search, personal support and motivation. Since launching in 1992, the UK Foyer network has grown to over 130 local Foyers supporting more than 10,000 homeless 16 to 25 year-olds each year, giving them a chance to realise their full potential.
Each Foyer is independent, but together they form a national network, connected through the Foyer Accreditation Scheme, training that leads to national qualifications, and the development of innovative national projects that are delivered by local Foyers. www.foyer.net